Siani
Love Is
Genre: Spiritual
Style:Gospel
Label: Kyra Melodies / IODA


[Several people who responded to our music survey were interested in more gospel music. I aim to please, and I found this latest album by the UK band Siani to be pleasing indeed. – Big Kahuna]

Siani is three young and talented women that have been singing gospel for as long as they can remember. Formally starting three years ago, they have established themselves as front-runners in the UK Gospel circuit. They have a fresh and contemporary R’n’B sound, reminding me of a brighter, more up-beat, Destiny’s Child. My only complaint with the group is that they need to update their website.

After picking up Gospel Entertainment’s Best Group Award for 2003-2004, Simone, Agery, and Nicholle have returned to the scene with the U.S. release of their latest CD, Love Is. This album has already made splashes on this side of the “big pond” making the playlists of major gospel radio stations in California, Boston and New York.

This album holds up to any R’n’B release here in the U.S. I’ve ever heard. The vocals are tight, and the beats infectious. The message is pure gospel. Opening with a haunting spoken Intro, it sets the message for the rest of the album. Its title is no exaggeration. “Love is” the fundamental message these young ladies are spreading.

The title track is habit forming. Love Is holds its own against any R’n’B anthem out there. If you don’t start dancing, or even just feeling better, while listening to this upbeat and hopeful track, you better check your pulse.

Even when they bring the tempo down with songs such as Loosed, a heartfelt ballad about the freedom that comes through faith in Christ, and Get Up on the Floor their sound draws you in. The harmonies are dead on, and the style perfection. You can’t help but sway with the music and let the spirit in.

This is an amazing album, ready to cross any style boundaries between the gospel and the R’n’B world (like there were really any to begin with). The heart, soul and faith of these three daughters of God comes across in every track, moving the body, and lifting the soul.

Siani’s music can be sampled and purchased at eMusic.